58Thomas Davis OLB

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Panthers' Thomas Davis: Panthers moving on

by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

Davis announced via Twitter on Wednesday that the Panthers will not re-sign him for 2019.

Davis is set to become an unrestricted free agent and said he has no plans to retire despite his first choice being to remain with the Panthers. The veteran linebacker will turn 36 in March, and had 79 tackles (46 solo) and two fumble recoveries in 12 games, as he missed the first four games of the season due to suspension. Davis has been in Carolina since being drafted during the first round in 2005's draft, but will have to don a new uniform if he is to take the field in 2019.

Davis wants to return for one more season with the Panthers, David Newton of ESPN reports. "I understand that there's a whole business side of things that has to take place," Davis said. "My whole mindset and everything I want to do is totally surrounded in coming back and playing here. Hopefully, they share that same sentiment."

The 35-year-old Davis is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the league year after racking up 79 tackles and six passes defensed in 2018. Considering his per-game average of 6.6 tackles is right in line with his production over the preceding four seasons, the 14-year veteran seems like he could still be of use to Carolina in 2019.

Davis trailed only running mate Luke Kuechly for Carolina's team lead in tackles. In doing so, the veteran set a new season high. Surprisingly, it was the first time Davis posted double-digit stops in a game this season, taking his tally to 69 tackles with two tilts left.

Davis did not participate at Saturday's practice but he doesn't have an injury, Joe Person of The Athletic reports.

Davis didn't practice Thursday either -- also non-injury related -- but doesn't have an injury designation, so he's good to go for Monday's game against the Saints. The 35-year-old should take up his usual starting role at weakside linebacker against Drew Brees and the high-powered New Orleans offense.

Davis finished with six tackles (three solo) and recovered two fumbles in Sunday's 26-20 loss to the Browns.

Davis did his best to help Carolina get back in the win column, but even claiming two turnovers by himself wasn't enough. To make matters worse, the Panthers are next tasked with slowing down Drew Brees and the Saints' high-powered offense in Week 15.